NIWA Urges Strict Adherence To Safety Protocols On Inland Waterways Amid Rising Rainfall Forecasts

 

 

The Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji has charged operators to obey safety protocol on the waterways.

Represented by Engr. Titus Adoga, NIWA Area Manager of the Lokoja Area Office at a one day sensitization engagement on safety emergency Preparedness and Response on the waterways held at Girinya, in Kogi Local Government Area of the state, the MD called on all operators to ensure that all boats are seaworthy, appropriately crewed, and equipped with essential life saving equipment.

He charged the operators to guide against overloading and ensure that only licenced and well trained persons are allowed to operate on the waterways.

The sensitization campaign which aimed at enforcing safety in Riverine communities was attended by traditional rulers, officials of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), security operatives and Boat operators from various communities.

The highlights of the event was the distribution of life jackets and demonstration on how to use it.

Meanwhile, the Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Niger-Kwara Area office, Akapo Adeboye has called on riverine communities in the state to adhere strictly to waterways regulations to prevent boat mishaps and ensure safety on inland waterways.

He made this call during a sensitization campaign at Zumba market in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state.

The campaign themed “Safety and Safety Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap, No Life Jacket, No Boarding, was organised for boat operators and passengers in anticipation of rising water levels due to predicted heavy rainfall forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Akapo added that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians.

“The reason behind organising the 2025 sensitisation campaigns on safety of lives and property on inland waterways regulations is to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.

“We urge everyone to take safety seriously and comply with the regulations to avoid accidents occasioned by boat mishaps,” he said.

He appealed to residents to adhere strictly safety protocols especially the use of life jackets before and during boarding so as to reduce risks of boats accidents.

Akapo commended the efforts of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola CON, and the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, for their commitment to ensuring safety on Inland waterways.